MPD0046 · Caring for older people: Nutrition and mental health essentials

Overview

You will gain essential skills and knowledge to support the nutritional and mental health needs of older adults in community and aged care settings. You will explore the physical, psychological, and social aspects of normal ageing. This includes understanding the specific nutritional challenges faced by individuals in aged care and the impact that this has on families, informal carers, and formal care providers. You will also learn about common mental health disorders in older populations, with an emphasis on their biopsychosocial factors. You will recognise cultural and community-specific perspectives of mental health and learn about approaches and services that align with the diverse needs of older adults. By integrating knowledge of nutrition, mental health, and culturally sensitive care, you will learn to promote the well-being of older adults and support those involved in their care.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify the physical, psychological, and social aspects of normal ageing and discuss factors associated with successful ageing.
2. Identify the role of healthcare workers and caregivers in supporting the physical and mental health needs of older adults, including the provision of adequate nutrition and mental health care.
3. Outline common mental health disorders in older adults, highlighting their biopsychosocial factors and implications in community and aged care settings.
4. Discuss the dietary requirements of older adults, including those with health conditions and comorbidities, and the impact that this has on families, informal carers, and formal care providers.
5. Describe the factors that influence food choices and nutritional needs in older adults, including the impact of ageing on nutritional capacity and health outcomes.
6. Recognise the importance of cultural diversity in shaping approaches to mental health and nutrition in older populations, ensuring culturally sensitive care practices and community-specific perspectives.
7. Discuss the relationship between nutrition and mental health in older populations and explore services and strategies to support both aspects holistically.
8. Discuss and communicate strategies to promote successful ageing and positive well-being, integrating proper nutrition, mental health support, and practices that enhance physical, cognitive, and social health in older adults.

Workload

8 hours of teacher directed study per week, 8 hours per week of self-directed study. Total per week = 16 hours

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.